Luton Town FC’s Tom Lockyer would still like to play football at the top level if it is possible according to the doctors.
There were moments of horror in the English Premier League in December, when the captain of the promoted Luton Town Tom Lockyer29, limped off the field after suffering a cardiac arrest during the match against Bournemouth.
Lockyer, who played 16 matches for the Welsh national team, was resuscitated and survived the situation, but has not played since. He was shortened on the field due to heart problems also in May in the promotion qualifying match against Convetry.
Lockyer opened up about his situation on Sunday In an interview with Sky Sports and told that the possibility of returning is still shrouded in darkness.
Lockyer’s heart stopped for two minutes and 40 seconds in the Bournemouth match and he said he was “literally dead†.
– I woke up surrounded by medical personnel. I knew right away that this is a different situation than in May. Then it felt as if I had woken up from a dream. This time I woke up out of nothingness, Lockyer said.
– I saw that the paramedics were more panicked and I was a little confused. I couldn’t talk or move. I was trying to figure out what was going on and I remember thinking I might die. I was finally able to speak. When I felt I was okay, it was a relief to be alive.
According to central defender Lockyer, the situation was the most difficult for his family. The player’s father was watching the match at the venue and his girlfriend was pregnant on the seventh day.
– My mother was listening to the match on the radio. He went to make tea when Bournemouth scored. When he came back, my brother had turned off the radio. My brother had to tell me that Tom is back on the field.
– This is the thing that people don’t see, and that is the hardest thing to deal with. I won’t lie, the last few months have been rough.
Lockyer got to meet his teammates in January for the first time since the Bournemouth match. The defender hopes to still be able to play football at the top level. Before that, however, he has to find out about further studies.
– My playing is not in my own hands. It is dictated by the doctors. If there is a chance that I can still play – and I am not going to defy the doctors’ advice – I would love to do it.
Lockyer says that he is grateful to be alive anyway, even if his playing career is over. The highlight of his career so far is the Premier League goal against Everton.
– I can say I captained Luton in the Premier League and scored a goal in the league. It’s something you dream about as a child.
Premier League standings.